Tuesday, January 29, 2013


More new fabrics have just arrived! Enjoy!
 100 % Rayon Challis / 60" wide / $9.95 per yard

 100% Cotton Shirting / 45" wide / $9.95 per yard

 100% Cotton Broadcloth/Pocketing / 45" wide / $9.95 per yard

 Linen Rayon Blend / 60" wide / $12.95 per yard

 100% Cotton Voile / 60" wide / $9.95 per yard

 Linen/Rayon Blend / 60" wide / $12.95 per yard

 Silk/Rayon Blend / 60" wide / $9.95 per yard

80% Wool 20% Polyester Knit / 60" wide / $12.95 per yard

Monday, January 28, 2013

How to Shorten a Zipper


We just received a fresh shipment of zippers and this prompted me to do a few zipper tutorials here on the blog. I thought I would start by showing a short demo on how to shorten a zipper. I have a ton of zippers that I've picked up here and there over the years and I've always found that its best to have long zippers on hand because you can shorten them whenever needed to be the length that a sewing project calls for. Here I'll show my preferred method.

You will need:
* a zipper to be shortened
* thread
* hand sewing needle
* a pair of scissors

Step 1: To start, determine how long you need the zipper to be and then mark the place where the new zipper stop will be stitched.

Step 2: Thread a needle, double stranded and put a knot in the end. From here, take your freshly threaded needle and begin to stitch a bar tack around the coils where your new zipper stop will be. A bar tack in this particular sense is just stitches that wrap around the coils of the zipper. No need to try and actually put your needle through the zipper coils, just stitch the bar tack around the coils, through the zipper tape. About 5 - 8 wraps of thread around the zipper coils will do ya.

Step 3: From your newly formed zipper stop, measure down about 1 - 1.5 inches and cut the rest of your zipper off. I like to cut my zipper off with regular old paper scissors instead of my sewing shears, just to ensure that I keep my shears as sharp as possible and don't throw off the hand balance.

And Voila! That is how you shorten a zipper. The zipper pull and slider will now stop at the new thread tack, your new zipper stop location. Easy as pie!

Note here that I've used an invisible zipper but the same method translates to traditional zips, metal zips and really, every other type of zipper.

Enjoy friends!

Thursday, January 24, 2013


Hi all! Finally, here is the class schedule for February. There's one new class this month that I'm pretty excited about - Pattern Manipulation. I think of all the questions I'm asked at the shop, this one is the most frequent - How do I change a pattern? Come and learn how to change a straight skirt to an a-line skirt or how to add gathers or pleats to a garment. We'll learn about rotating darts and how all that cool pattern magic happens!

The Perfect Pencil Skirt Workshop Series – 4 sessions, $175
This is a series of four classes in which we’ll go from drafting a pencil skirt sloper made to your measurements, to drafting a stylish pencil skirt pattern, and finally constructing a truly fabulous skirt to last you for years to come.  This series will give you the skills required to make endless pencil skirts at home! Please note that these classes are a package deal and they are fashioned for intermediate sewists. 
Drafting the Perfect Pencil Skirt – 2 hrs
Class Dates & Times: February 5 @ 4pm – 6pm
Skill Level: Intermediate
This class is the first in this series (see above). Do you lust after perfectly fitting pencil skirt patterns yet find them all to be lacking perfect fit? Fear no more! In this class, you’ll draft the perfect pencil skirt just for you, made from your measurements. From taking measurements to putting them on paper, we’ll go from start to perfectly fitting pencil skirt basic pattern in no time. For this class, participants will be supplied with drafting paper and drafting supplies and come away with one amazing pencil skirt sloper/basic pattern - the basis for building your own pencil skirt at home.
Instructor: Sunni
Materials Needed:all materials included
Fitting & Creating the Perfect Pencil Skirt – 2hrs
Class Dates & Times: February 12 @ 4pm – 6pm
Skill Level: Intermediate
This class is the second in this series (see above). In this class, you’ll learn how to achieve perfect fit from your pencil skirt sloper and a few basic patternmaking skills.  We’ll cover a muslin fitting session and from there, create a pencil skirt with a vent, lining, simple contoured waistband or petersham ribbon waistband. Please note that this class builds upon the basic pattern drafted in Drafting the Perfect Pencil Skirt. Drafting paper and drafting supplies included.
Instructor: Sunni
Materials to purchase or bring from your stash: 2 yards muslin, drafting materials included
Pencil Skirt Sew-Along – 2hrs, 2 class sessions
Class Dates & Times: February 19 & 26 @ 4pm – 6pm
Skill Level: Intermediate
This class is the third and fourth in this series (see above) and will take place during two separate class sessions. Now you have a beautifully fitting pencil skirt pattern, and you’re ready to tackle creating one that you can actually wear out of the house. In this class you’ll learn tips and tricks for constructing a pencil skirt that’s both wearable, comfortable yet chic and sophisticated and endures the test of time and wear. We’ll discuss and learn such things as how to pick the best zipper insertion option, how to stabilize seams properly, sew a vent and lining for your skirt and add unique touches to truly make the skirt your own. Each participant will be supplied with instructions for tips and techniques in addition to hands on instruction and will go home confident with a beautifully finished, easy to wear and pair, pencil skirt! Please note that this class requires that you have taken the class Fitting & Creating the Perfect Pencil Skirt.
Instructor: Sunni
Materials to purchase or bring from your stash: 1.5 yards 60” wide fashion fabric or 2 yards 45” wide fashion fabric prewashed and ready to cut; matching thread; 2 yards lining; matching 14 “– 16”invisible or traditional zipper. It’s highly recommended that you bring your own sewing machine for this class.
Rare materials will be on hand to purchase if needed.
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Demystifying Fit – 2 hrs, 1 class session
Class Dates & Times: February 6 @ 4pm – 6pm
Skill Level:Advanced Beginner – Intermediate
Do you wonder why sewing patterns don’t fit you right out of the envelope? In this class we’ll discuss fit on all scales, why patterns rarely fit anyone right out of the envelope and what you can do to achieve perfect fit. We’ll talk about measuring yourself correctly, pattern sizing vs. ready to wear sizing and pattern ease. You’ll learn basic adjustments and alterations that can be mixed and matched to help you get the perfect fit!
Instructor: Sunni
Cost: $50
Materials to bring:A notebook for taking notes
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Pattern Manipulation - 2 hrs, 2 class sessions
Class Dates & Times: February 7 & 14 @ 4pm - 6pm
Skill Level: Intermediate
In this class you'll learn how to take a basic pattern, or any pattern and add new design elements or change the ones that are already established in the pattern. You'll learn how to move or rotate a dart, how to create princess seams in a garment, add gathers or pleats, create pockets, create a fly front and other design elements so that you can use the same sewing pattern to create several different looks. Open the door to creating your own fresh designs from the sewing patterns you already have! 
Instructor: Sunni
Cost: $85
Materials to bring: A notebook for taking notes; drafting materials and resources will be provided.
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Sewing Machine Basics - 2 hrs, 1 class session
Class Dates & Times: February 13 @ 4pm - 6pm
Skill Level: Beginner
Want to learn how to sew but don't know where to start? This is a great class to start with! Learning the ins and outs of your sewing machine is always much easier with someone to help you along. We'll cover everything from how to thread your machine, wind the bobbin, basic stitches and what they are used for and how to adjust tension on your machine. In addition, you'll be given a list of resources for how to do it at home, just in case you forget. Bring your sewing machine and let's play!
Instructor: Sunni
Cost: $50
Materials to bring: Your sewing machine (its best to learn the ins and outs on your own machine); if possible, your sewing machine manual.
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Copy Your Favorite Garment – 2hrs, 1 class session
Class Dates & Times: February 27 @ 4pm – 6pm
Skill Level:Intermediate
Do you have clothing in your closet that fits you perfectly? Are you dying to have 20 of that same garment because you love the fit or style? This class is all about how to do what’s referred to as a “rub-off” – taking a pre-existing garment and creating a paper pattern from it, all without harming the original garment. In this lecture style class you’ll learn techniques for how to create a paper pattern from your favorite garment.  We’ll discuss construction order, how to add in elements like darts and gathers and ideas for creating different garments from one pattern. Please note that this class is geared towards intermediate sewists and is not for beginners!
Instructor: Sunni
Cost: $50
Materials to bring:A notebook for taking notes
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Interested in taking any of these classes? Be sure to contact any of us at Yellow Bird Fabrics. We are available by phone, email or pop into the shop. Please note that all students receive a 20% discount off total purchase for anything in the shop the day of the class. Class fee excluded.


A few small cuts of silk arrived - come in quick before they're all gone!

Light Grey Silk Crepe De Chine / 54" wide / $29.99 per yard

 Mint Green Crepe de Chine / 45" wide / $24.99 per yard

 Fire Engine Red Silk Charmeuse / 45" wide / $24.99 per yard

Terra Cotta Orange Silk Crepe de Chine / 45" wide / $24.99 per yard

Hot Pink Silk Charmeuse / 54" wide / $29.99 per yard

Deep Navy Silk Charmeuse / 54" wide/ $29.99 per yard


Gorgeous new laces just arrived - just in time for wedding dress making and any fancy schmancy events you might have planned.

True Love Corded Lace / 52" wide / $69.95 per yard

Embroidered Silk Organza / 56" wide / $29.95 per yard

Ivory Venetian Lace / 56" wide / $99.95 per yard

Off-White Beaded Art Deco Lace / 56" wide / $114.95 per yard

White Floral Explosion Corded Lace / 56" wide / $69.95 per yard

Black Floral Corded Lace / 56" wide / $79.95 per yard


Some luscious new bamboo knits just arrived! These come in great colors and would be great for a variety of different knit projects like a drapey t-shirt, dresses, pj bottoms and scarves.

Coral Bamboo Knit / 2 way stretch / 60" wide / $9.95 per yard

Cream Bamboo Knit / 2 way stretch / 60" wide / $9.95 per yard

Light Blue Bamboo Knit / 2 way stretch / 60" wide / $9.95 per yard

 Red Bamboo Knit / 2 way stretch / 60" wide / $9.95 per yard

Royal Purple Bamboo Knit / 2 way stretch / 60" wide / $9.95 per yard

Sea Green Bamboo Knit / 2 way stretch / 60" wide / $9.95 per yard

 Striped Yellow and Taupe Bamboo Knit / 2 way stretch / 60" wide / $9.95 per yard


Many new and springy fabrics keep rolling into Yellow Bird Fabrics! Here are some images of our recent rayon acquisitions:

Brush Stroke Rayon Challis / 60" wide / $9.95 per yard

Solid Taupe Rayon Challis / 60" wide / $9.95 per yard

Pink Fleur Rayon Challis / 60" wide / $9.95 per yard

Graphic Floral Collage Rayon Challis / 60" wide / $9.95 per yard

Monday, January 21, 2013

Spring cottons and linens

With all of this freezing weather, now is the perfect time to stay cozy in your sewing room and create something for the coming spring. Here are some new fabrics to help you out:
Cotton Eyelet 54" $9.95
 Cotton Sateen 54" $9.95
 Cotton and lycra 54" $9.95
 Embroidered cotton 54" $9.95
 Cotton 54" $9.95
 Embroidered cotton 54" $9.95
 Cotton 54" $9.95
 Linen 54" $9.95
Linen 54" $9.95